NafisaSteven Gerrard might make an unexpected comeback to Rangers, with the former Ibrox manager included in an extensive shortlist to succeed interim head coach Barry Ferguson this summer.
Gerrard, who guided Rangers to the Scottish Premiership crown in 2021 during his initial tenure, is currently unattached after departing Saudi side Al-Ettifaq in January. He previously exited Ibrox for Aston Villa in late 2021 but remained in the Premier League for under a year.
With Barry Ferguson now acting as caretaker manager, Rangers are reportedly considering a broad selection of candidates to take charge at the end of the season.
As per The Telegraph, the list contains more than ten potential hires, including Gerrard, former top-flight coaches Gary O’Neil, Rob Edwards, and ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin, who also had a loan stint at Rangers during his playing days.
What makes Gerrard stand out from the rest? His remarkable track record against Celtic. During his time at Ibrox, Gerrard faced the Hoops 13 times and won 7 of those encounters, drawing 2 and losing just 4.
That win rate not only restored Rangers’ competitive edge in the Old Firm rivalry, but also ended Celtic’s dream of 10 league titles in a row. No other manager in recent Rangers history has come close to dominating Celtic in such fashion.
Rangers have locked in second place in the Scottish Premiership this term and will feature in the Champions League second qualifying round next season. That shot at returning to Europe’s elite competition may help lure a high-calibre figure.
Russell Martin addressed the media this week regarding his eagerness to step back into management, while Gerrard has remained largely silent since his departure from Saudi Arabia.
Despite finishing sixth in his first Pro League season, Gerrard’s exit from Al-Ettifaq was confirmed by mutual agreement after a lacklustre follow-up campaign.
Ferguson oversaw a dominant 4-0 triumph over Aberdeen at the weekend and voiced his call for greater consistency and drive from the squad, implying the club is still searching for a permanent managerial solution.
Gerrard’s earlier accomplishments at Ibrox, especially the undefeated 2020/21 title-winning run and his clear superiority over Celtic, have cemented his legacy at the club.
If there’s anyone who knows how to shake the foundations at Parkhead and bring silverware back to Ibrox, it’s him. Whether he’s open to returning – and whether Rangers will extend the opportunity – remains to be seen, but the argument for Gerrard is growing louder by the day.
Nafisa
